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KRR → SAW
Which side of the plane to sit from Krasnodar Pashkovsky International Airport (Krasnodar) to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (Istanbul)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side is superior for this route as it provides a front-row seat to the Anatolian coastline and the stunning archipelago of the Princes' Islands during the final descent into Sabiha Gökçen.
Caucasus Foothills
Shortly after takeoff from Krasnodar, catch glimpses of the western edges of the snow-capped Caucasus Mountains to the south.
Black Sea Crossing
A vast expanse of deep blue water as the flight traverses the sea between Russia and Turkey.
Anatolian Coastline
The rugged, green mountains of Turkey's Black Sea region come into view as you approach the Turkish mainland.
Princes' Islands
An incredible aerial view of the nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, including Büyükada and Heybeliada, just before landing.
Pendik Waterfront
Views of the modern marinas and coastal developments along the Asian side of Istanbul.
Book a window seat on the left (Port) side for the best approach views. For sunset flights, the reflection on the Sea of Marmara is spectacular. Try to sit away from the wing to ensure the Princes' Islands aren't obstructed during the low-altitude turn for final approach.
Krasnodar Cityscape
If the flight departs to the North/West, you get a clear view of the city and the iconic FC Krasnodar Stadium.
Bosphorus Mouth
The northern entrance of the Bosphorus Strait where it meets the Black Sea is often visible in the distance.
Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge
The northernmost bridge connecting Europe and Asia is visible as the plane nears the Istanbul province.
Belgrad Forest
The massive green lung of northern Istanbul provides a sharp contrast to the dense urban sprawl.
SAW Infrastructure
A detailed look at the sprawling logistics and maintenance hubs of Sabiha Gökçen Airport upon touchdown.
The right side is ideal for morning flights to avoid the direct glare of the sun. It offers a better chance of seeing the Bosphorus bridges, though visibility depends heavily on the specific traffic patterns managed by Istanbul ATC.
Distance: 924 km (574 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 32 min
Departure: KRR (45.034698486328, 39.170501708984)
Arrival: SAW (40.898601532, 29.3092002869)
Route Type: International
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